Michaela Althouse

Michaela Althouse is a staff writer for PhillyVoice with interests in climate, technology, education and politics. She’s previously written for Technical.ly, Washingtonian Magazine, Philadelphia Magazine, New Project Media and Metro Eireann. She is a Bucks County native who enjoys gardening, exploring Philly and finding the city’s best coffee.

michaela@phillyvoice.com

April 18, 2025

Government

FOX News host Mark Levin picked to join Homeland Security council

by Michaela Althouse

Mark Levin, a FOX News correspondent and Philadelphia native, was tapped by President Donald Trump to join the Homeland Security Advisory Council. The panel offers insight into national security. Trump say his 'revamped' version will focus on immigration and drug issues, specifically regarding fentanyl.

April 18, 2025

Entertainment

House of Magic owner follows lifelong passion in opening venue with a library, museum and 2 theaters for illusions

by Michaela Althouse

The House of Magic, a new venue with two theaters, recently opened in Glenside. Owner Marc DeSouza is also building a library and museum on the history of illusions.

April 18, 2025

Books

Cupid's Bookshop in Manayunk will be a safe space for romance lovers

by Michaela Althouse

Cupid's Bookshop, a store that will only carry romance novels, will open Thursday, April 24, in Manayunk. Owner Tina Long said she wants to make it a safe space for lovers of the genre.

April 17, 2025

Neighborhoods

Recycling company to pay Camden neighborhood $6.7 million after fire forced 100 families to evacuate

by Michaela Althouse

Recycling company EMR has agreed to pay a Camden waterfront neighborhood $6.7 million after a four-alarm fire at its facility temporarily displaced 100 families in February. The funds will be put toward an emergency text alert for Waterfront South residents, neighborhood cleanups and schools.

April 17, 2025

Family-Friendly

Enjoy Philly's green spaces? You can help beautify them during Love Your Park Week

by Michaela Althouse

Love Your Park Week 2025 takes place May 10-18 in Philadelphia. Volunteers are needed to help beautify Philly's parks by picking up trash, planting flowers, removing dead tree branches and other tasks.

April 16, 2025

Investigations

Shooting outside Center City hookah bar leaves 1 man dead, another injured

by Michaela Althouse

A shooting outside Byblos hookah bar in Center City early Wednesday morning killed a 77-year-old man who was driving an SUV and critically injured his 22-year-old passenger, Philadelphia police said.

April 16, 2025

Celebrities

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, Camden-born artist Mickalene Thomas and Kalaya chef Nok Suntaranon named to TIME100 list

by Michaela Althouse

Three people with ties to the Philly area were named to the 2025 TIME100 list of the world's most influential people: Kalaya chef Nok Suntaranon, Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Camden-born artist Mickalene Thomas.

April 15, 2025

Celebrities

Bryce Harper reveals gender of his fourth child by using a baby blue bat

by Michaela Althouse

Philadelphia Phillies star Bryce Harper used a blue bat during Monday night's game to reveal the gender of his fourth child. He and his wife, Kayla, have one son and two daughters. Their fourth child will be a boy.

April 15, 2025

Education

Philly school district is updating its reassignment room process for teachers facing misconduct investigations

by Michaela Althouse

The School District of Philadelphia will more closely monitor the cases for teachers in reassignment rooms, where educators are sent during misconduct investigations. The process overhaul comes after a City Council member pushed for a hearing to look into complaints about the holding facility's conditions and the wasted time and money.

April 14, 2025

Arts & Culture

The Portal is moving from LOVE Park to City Hall courtyard; here's a livestream

by Michaela Althouse

The Portal, a sculpture that connects passersby in Philly with counterparts in three European cities, is moving from LOVE Park to the City Hall courtyard Monday morning. It is being transported along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, and making a stop at the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of a procession.